Nancy Lyon Starr

Nancy Marie Lyon Starr, 89, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on February 12, 2026.

Born on February 20, 1936, in Geneva, New York, Nancy was the daughter of the late Arden Tice Lyon and Helen Louise Brown Lyon. She graduated from Geneva High School in 1954 from Cornell University in 1958, then married her high school sweetheart, Clyde E. Starr, who lovingly survives her. Their married life began in Forest Hills, New York, before they settled in Staten Island, where Nancy built a distinguished career with New York City’s school lunch program. She retired as Supervisor of School Food Services for all Staten Island public schools, a role she fulfilled with dedication, integrity, and pride. Nancy and Clyde moved to the Charlotte area in 1998, first making their home in Huntersville before settling in Charlotte.

Nancy is also survived by her daughters, Betsy Kerr, and Martha (Mark) Santelman; eight grandchildren—Sarah (Antun) Curich, Amy (Bill) Schubert, Beth Santelman, Mary Kate Santelman, Taylor Kerr, Lauren Kerr, Christina (Edward) Kowalke, and David Santelman; and one great‑granddaughter, Margo Kowalke; her sister, Beverly Cox, along with several nieces, cousins, and many cherished friends.

She and Clyde shared a lifelong passion for sailing and boating, spending many happy years cruising the Northeast coast in their sailboats. They were active members of the Richmond County Yacht Club in Staten Island; the Peninsula Yacht Club in Cornelius, North Carolina; the Staten Island Power Squadron; and the Lake Norman Sail and Power Squadron. Their love of travel brought them countless memories—from family road trips that touched nearly every state to journeys across Europe that often intertwined with Clyde’s work. A highlight among many adventures was their 50th‑anniversary trip to Australia and New Zealand in 2008.

A woman of many talents, Nancy was an avid bridge player and dedicated knitter, participating in numerous clubs throughout her life. Community service was a defining constant. She was a devoted member of the Mecklenburg Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving as Treasurer, Vice Regent, and District Treasurer. Her other affiliations included the American Association of University Women, the Society of Mayflower Descendants, and the Girl Scouts of America.

Nancy will be remembered for her warmth and intelligence, her deep loyalty to family and friends, and her lifelong commitment to service—a legacy that reflects a life well lived and deeply loved.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Harrison United Methodist Church, where Nancy and Clyde were members. Interment will take place at a later date in Glenwood Cemetery, Geneva, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of one’s choice.

Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Services is caring for the Starr family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.KepnerFH.com